Tis the Season...

I just wanted to wish everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS. I know I have really been slacking on my blog, but am kinda dep... at where I am in my life right now so when it gets more exciting I will fill you all in. I am having a blast reading everyone else's. I do wish you all a wonderful Christmas and hope it goes great for all of you. My whole family is here and if it wasn't so late I would post pics of our little party in Palmer so I will do that soon. It's so great having Sadie and Lisa back home and with some great additions--Corey and Cailyn (Sadies hubby and baby girl). Anyway we are having a great time being together and will do my best to remember getting the camera out. Well that's it for now. My thoughts are with you and wish you all a great new year!

SNOW SNOW AND MORE SNOW!

So last night Mother Nature was having a hay day and it snowed quite a bit. It's not too cold (just under 40 degrees) out so hopefully it goes away. It's just too early for there to be this much snow. AND it just started again--who knows maybe it's here to stay. I suppose a great number of evil snowmen will be made today! So if everyone can cross their fingers that the sun comes out I would appreciate it.

Other than the snow--things are going well. I'm still looking for a job--there just isn't too much available here. Anyway I hope it's nice and warm where you are. Later!

Catching Up!

IT"S SNOWING!! I can't believe it--well ok I can, but I just don't want to believe it. I hope it doesn't stick but it's been snowing for a couple of hours now--it did stop a little then started up again. There are really big flakes coming down now. So I thought I would make the best of it....


This is the first snowman--I tried to make him look evil cause that's what snow is--cold and evil. If you look closely you can see how mean he looks.
Here's our house with a fresh coating of snow--My moms pretty excited--she loves snow and I just don't understand it--it is pretty I just like it in pictures.
This is the evil snowman killing all my moms pretty flowers as well as everyone's pretty little flowers!

So I decided to take matters into my own hands and I am sentencing the evil snowman to death--by a very slow melting process! Ok Ok I know I'm bored, but haven't you ever heard of cabin fever??

Well thats it for now--the snowman has been eliminated! From the looks of it the snow has no intentions of slowing so there will be more evil snowmen I am sure.

I hope everyone is doing well! Feel free to comment--I know I'm not good at this but drop in and say hello! Ta-Ta!

Nightmarish Dejavu!

Well Dad has brought the wood home and the scary noises from my past--you know the wood splitter and chainsaw have started up again. He hasn't really told me that I have to do wood, but I can tell he wanted to--he would keep mentioning it and say how much he needed help. So I went out there and helped for about 5 hours--let me tell you I don't miss it at all. Then the next day we worked on it for a little more. I just couldn't just stay inside while my mom and dad were out there working--the guilt was just too much. Anyway Mom was pretty funny--I thought she could use a break from stacking so I let her at the splitter, but she was just too slow and almost dainty that I had to take over or else I was gonna go crazy--we would have been out there forever. No offence mom--I LOVE YOU! Man there is a lot of my father in me!!! Anyway we had fun-well as much fun as can be had anyway.

I'm only smiling here cause I didn't realize Mom had the camera then I just couldn't help myself. This is taken after I kicked my Dad off--all I had to say was "do you want help or not" then he started stacking. I know it wasn't very nice, but he's lucky I went out there at all. You don't have to say it I know I'm a brat!!

Here she is using her big muscles to get the wood. She was having a lot of fun doing wood--I always knew my parents were crazy. I swear I would rather walk around in full winter gear then having to do this much wood. But how can you resist this face!

Here's mom--she was being so dainty (look at her hand over the wood) it was really funny and cute.

Needless to say I was really happy when Conf. started--on Saturday. Now he has it hooked up to his truck so there is no chopping wood today! Just thought I would share my hardships with you all hoping for a little sympathy!

Trip to Utah

I went to Utah to visit my two sisters and brother! Sadie as most of you probably know by now that she had a baby 4 months ago and I had been dying to see Cailyn--so I did. Anyway Utah was a lot of fun. I stayed in Mona for the most part and just hung out with my sister Sadie and baby. Cailyn is getting so big and she really has a fun personality. She has the prettiest smile and snuggles with you--I loved it! Here are some pictures:

Here she is sitting in her bumbo--dang she really is cute!

Don't be alarmed Sadie didn't pass out on her baby as it appears here--she really is kissing/blowing on Cailyn's neck cause it was making her laugh so hard--but I missed it on the camera. She is at least smiling--I swear she knows all camera's now and can stop smiling as soon as the little light comes on right before the pic. She is so funny!
Lisa was able to come down and visit--that was a lot of fun to have her there. She's always been able to brighten up anyone's day. However as it's evident Cailyn is done with pictures and not even Lisa was able to get her to crack a smile. But she's still cute as ever.

Here's a pic of all of us. We haven't done this since Lisa went to the MTC. Man it's crazy how fast time flies.

It was so much fun spending time with my sisters. On the weekend I went to SLC and stayed with Lisa. Todd came down from Logan and we painted her apt. It really looked great once it was done and made such a difference. I miss my sisters and can't wait till Christmas when we will all be here together. It's been awhile since everyone has been home. I was only in Utah for a week and it went by really fast. It was sad to leave, but I had a lot of fun!

I'm Finally Done!!

Well I just finished my last tour-and I couldn't be happier. I was really ready to be done! Here are a couple of shots from my last couple of tours that I thought were great. The first one is with my driver and her name was Lisa Jean--funny huh? (In case you don't know my sis. name is Lisa Jean).

This one is a shot of Mt. McKinley on the way to Denali from Fairbanks on the train--and let me tell you now many people get to see this.
Anyway--my last tour wasn't that great, but I really can't blame them--everything had basically closed and we were literally the last tour of Holland America. That and it rained everyday but the last one and was pretty chilly. But really what do people expect when they buy the cheapest possible tour and come to Alaska in the middle of September. Anyway they still tipped out pretty well which I wasn't expecting, but we planned for them to go to the conservation center so they saw animals and it was sunny--so that helped I'm sure.

So now the question that everyone has is what am I doing now?? Thats still up in the air--although for the next week at least I am going out to see Sadie and the bebe and Lisa. Well Todd too if he wants to come into town--it would be good to see him. Other than that i am applying to lots of places in hopes that I get a call back. I will def. keep everyone updated when I find something. I am trying to get a job in Russia so I can become more fluent. I am looking at Tauck--they have tours going from Helsinki to St. Peters or I am looking at a Russian Embassy in Moscow. There are some others I am looking at. I am having a hard time deciding where to go--although I am really leaning towards New York! Well I gotta get back to the kiddo's--hope all is well. Ciao!

It's Raining AGAIN!!

I can't even tell you how tired I am of it raining. Actually, I can't really complain because I picked up a tour in Whitehorse 9 days ago and it has been really nice--we are in Denali now and it was sunny when we got here, but now it's raining again. I hope it doesn't last! Well lets see it's been a little while--I have just been working. I have done a few tours since I last wrote. I am doing a 28 right now which is a 12 day tour--the one before that was the same tour just in the opposite direction and had no time off. I dropped my tour off at the airport and went down to baggage and picked up the new one. I thought I would get a couple of days off just to find out that I will be dropping off in Seward on Sunday and getting right back to Anchorage to pick up another 9 day tour. Thats ok I would love to go home for a couple of days, but really need the work. I haven't seen the kids for awhile and they just got back from Disneyland also Lisa is getting ready to leave and now I may not see her. I do plan on seeing Sadie once this summer is over so I can see Lisa then. Cailyn is getting so big and is just so cute I can't wait to meet her.

Well my Dad is living the dream--or whatever dream harley guys dream and is riding from AK to Mill 'wacky' as Sadie called it (nice one Sadie) and Mom is going to meet him down there then ride back with him--I think they will have a great time. Other than that I can't really think of anything else thats happening thats exciting anyway! I am still looking for a job and have been applying to different companies. I still think I want to go to New York and just may find a job as a nanny since they really do make good money and most will have housing provided. Then I can be in New York and can see if I do like it and do job searching while I am there. Its hard to interview when your not there. I don't know I will see what happens. Well thats it for now! I hope this finds everyone well--later

Working Away!

So I am proving to be pretty bad at this blog thing. Anyway not much as been happening with me I have just been doing tours and trying to make as much as possible. I am pretty excited cause on my last tour I made 13oo just in tips!! Of course everything is going towards school loans now, but hey what can you do. I thought I would post some pics to show where I've been in the last couple of weeks.

This one is taking the train from Skagway to Frasier BC

This one is my favorite place in BC--Emerald Lake--so pretty! The reflection isn't usually this good so we were pretty lucky to see it this way. Just as we were leaving the wind picked up and the reflection was gone.
Can you see the bear??? He was just sitting watching us--it was pretty funny cause his head was moving with each train car that past--he just kept moving his head back and forth. We were in the last car so thats him just watching us ride away.
This is outside of Skagway a ways! It's always so nice here in this area.
Yep--thats right we just went over that bridge and it feels just as rickidy as it looks. But its a great view. What a beautiful day we had.
Well my dear family and friends--thats what I've been doing. I wish I had something more exciting, but alas I don't. Sadie's Cailyn is getting pretty big and just as cute as ever. You can see pics on her blog. Well I guess thats it for now. I will try and keep this updated more. Later all!!

Hello All!

Well just thought I would drop in and give you all an update of what I've been doing. I just finished my second tour, which both went to Prudhoe Bay and even though they both went really well--I would prefer not to keep going there cause it's pretty boring. Anyway--the most exciting is watching Cailyn grow--she is growing and is finally fitting into her clothes. Here are a couple of pics that Sadie has posted--Mom just got back from staying with Sadie so I will post some of her pics. She is definatly her daddy's little girl, but I can see Sadie in there too. She is soooo cute--of course I am pretty parshal (is that spelled right??) I have to say that I have some pretty darn cute nieces and nephew's. Sadie is doing really well--except for being pretty tired, which is to be expected. I can't wait to see them in August.

These pics are along the way on my Prudhoe Bay tours. It wasn't too green, but was still pretty. We were only about 25 mi outside Prudhoe when we saw this wolf just out in the middle of nowhere--which is really weird since they tend to hang out near the mountains with tree cover. Anyway it was pretty cool to watch.
Well thats pretty much it for right now. I am in Slowdotna right now cause I have a few days off. Tonight we celebrated Braydens birthday which is tomorrow--I can't believe he is already 4. It's crazy how fast they are growing. Hope all is well and will write later.

KATIE IS HERE!!!

Just really quick cause I have two hours before my online assignment is due, which is midnight!! I am in Prudhoe Bay right now and then will be back in Anchorage tomorrow then to the ship after that to drop my little sheep off then will pick up another tour 22 which is the same as the one I am doing. Ok that was a really long and incorrect sentence, but I am really at the point of not caring. The tour is going well--I am just tired and going on about 4 hours of sleep.

OK enough about me--SADIE HAD HER BABY!!! I am an auntie again. All I know so far is she was born on the 29th and was just 7 inches. Mom was pretty much in bed when I called her and Sadie was still in the hospital--so I will try and call them tomorrow. Everyone is fine and Mom says the baby is really pretty--I mean how could she not be seeing how cute Sadie and Corey both are :) Anyway I will post more when I get a chance...I am just so excited for both of you Sadie and Corey--congratulations!

I'm really still here!!

Ok well I am here I have just been pretty busy and well ok I have been slacking when it comes to the blog so I will bring you up to date with what I am doing now. First as most of you probably know I graduated--finally right!! It was a good day--even though I have an online class to finish this summer I am basically done, which feels great--except with my student loans looming over me, but hey it's just something else right!! Here are some pics from the big day...
My friend Erica and I
You know these goofy looking people...
This one of my glowing sis Sadie and her gracious husband Corey (he really wanted to be home playing on his back hoe but was nice to come with Sadie--whatta guy!)
And if you couldn't guess--this is Katie--Dad's pretty excited and tried to get a few shots before Sadie could tell what he was doing. She is due on the 1rst of June, but is doing everything she can to go into labor...I think she was pacing up and down her yard today doing lunges or whatever. Come on KATIE!!!
Ok--for the past week I have been in sunny Tyler, Texas visiting Amy and family. I had a great time, but have realized that I think I prefer dry hot over humid hot--but I definately prefer hot. The weather was great most of the time. Amy took me to see this cool museum that had been there in Tyler from way back and then we also went to see the rose garden, which you will see down below. It was great seeing Amy and everyone again. I can't believe how big her kids are getting.
This is David--he's 4 and smart as a whip--he can also debate anything you tell him (something I'm sure his mother passed down to him-he he he) --but then again don't we all do that I know i'm guilty of that. I told them that they should get him on the debate team when he's older cause he will do great. He growing fast and is a great big brother to Issac. It was fun getting to know him better.
This is Issac their newest addition. When Amy say's he doesn't stop moving she is not kidding. You can always tell he's sleeping cause his legs aren't going a million miles and hour. Man this kid just can't wait to start walking. He is such a cutie and such a happy baby!
As you can see above and below are dozens and dozens of roses! This was the Rose Garden. It was amazing to see all the different kinds of roses and flowers. This garden was built back in the days of the depression (I think thats what Amy said). It was really pretty!

Well that pretty much covers it. I am home now waiting to get back up to Anchorage to start my first tour on the 17th. Well technically I start in Fairbanks so will be flying up there on the 16th. I am also going to be searching for a job/career during the summer so I have somewhere to go when I'm done this summer. That or my prince charming is welcome to come and sweep me off my feet--I would be ok with that as well.

I'm tempted to just go where I haven't been before, but then I also like to be close to family and friends. I am trying to figure out where to go and hopefully I will find the perfect job then will follow that--whatever comes first I guess. Well thats about it. Hope all is well you all and until next time--have a glorious day!!!

It's Finally Over!

I am so excited that this semester is finally over. The finals are done and I feel like I did pretty well this time around. I guess time will tell--grades don't get posted for another week or so. I am starting to pack, which I am hating the more I do it, but I just can't stop wanting to move to new places. Anyway it's just a small sacrifice!! Mom and Dad get here tomorrow morning so it will be good to see them.

I can't believe I am graduating tomorrow!! I mean technically I'm not quite done, but it's better than having to walk next fall semester--so I will take it. I didn't think graduation would ever come--I really wish I would have organized my time better, but am glad that I've traveled as much as I have. Anyway just thought I would give ya'll an update of whats going on. I am going to visit Amy in Tyler for a week before going home on the 12th--then right into the tour business again. I haven't quite figured out where I am going after that, but have all summer to search for the perfect job while making money--so thats it!

Anyway I gotta get back to packing and have to stop distracting myself with things I would rather be doing. Weather here has been pretty weird, but the flowers are coming in and it's really pretty. It snowed a little yesterday and today--but it was hardly anything. It's starting to get nicer now, but it's still pretty chilly. Ok--until next time here are some flowers to brighten your day!

Sadie's Baby Shower!!

Sadie had one of two baby showers this weekend. Since I won't be here for her 2nd in May I wanted to be there for the first. This one was put on by her friends with whom she works. It was done in the restaurant (it was closed--so that was nice). It wasn't big there were only about 11 people there, but Sadie did pretty well gifts wise. We played the normal baby shower games and had a good time.
Sadie is ready to have Katie, but overall is doing and looking great. Katie is moving a lot, which prevents Sadie from being too comfy at any point night and day--but is really excited to welcome the baby to the family. Here are a couple of pics that I was able to wrangle out of her. Well ok she really didn't have a choice cause I pretty much made her--so thank you Sadie for putting up with me. It was a lot of fun visiting with her. This one is Sadie just relaxing in the quiet!! Mona is REALLY quiet and she loves it!
This is all her loot!!
This was Sadie's favorite outfit and if you can't see the shoes--they are the best part--so cute
Other than that--school is going fairly well. I'm trying not to get too stressed out cause I just don't like being stressed and am working on getting all the papers and studying done for the finals in a couple of weeks. The weather here has been really nice. It was in the 80's at Sadies on Sunday and today (Monday) I swear it's just that hot again. I really hope that summer is here to stay. Well folks--my UN class is starting so I gotta go--time to talk politics...until next time--Have a wonderful week!

It's almost over!!

Man I can't believe that school is almost over--it's down to weeks now! I'm just slightly freaking out over finals--well ok really stressing because I want to do well. I have actually been doing well so far and this is it! Anyway the end is in sight and I will finally get to get into a robe and funny looking hat and say goodbye to school.

Taegans birthday was yesterday! Happy Birthday little lady. I'm such a spacecase--I was going to call and wish her a happy day, but forgot by the end of the day when she would have been home. Oh well I'll call her tonight. She is six--I can hardly believe it. She is such a little grownup and is a great big sister. I remember going with Sadie to see her when she was just born and she was so little. It's crazy how fast they grow I mean look at Addi--she is walking already.

Well this is going to be short cause I just don't have anything else exciting to share! Hope all is well with you wherever you may be and have a great day!

What's Going On!

Well it's Spring Break this week and it's been nice not to have to think of school--well for the most part I do have a couple of assignments to finish, but mostly can forget about it. The weather here has been really nice and it seems like summer is here--but I am just waiting for the snow to drop again cause it's been doing that off and on for the last couple months.

Amy and family were here and it was so much fun hanging out with them. You'd think I would have pictures--but could never remember to bring the camera-- but check out Amy's blog cause she posted pics. Her kids are getting so big and are so dang cute. Then a day after Amy and Jerry left for home--we were able to pick Lisa up. Sadie picked her up then we met with Todd for lunch. It was so much fun being able to talk with her and see how much she has grown. She wasn't ready to come home--but really who is when serving a mission. She seems to be getting back on her feet and is looking for a job. Besides driving mom crazy with her talking on the phone everyone is loving having her home. I really missed her and it's fun to be able to talk with her whenever now.

I am working as a cashier at Smiths Marketplace and honestly I am hating it, but it's a job and I gotta do it. I keep telling myself it's a means to an end. My school schedule is pretty crazy this semester and Smiths were the only ones willing to work with my availability anyway what can you do. I am keeping my eyes open for other openings as well as looking into other jobs career wise. I am meeting with advisors in the Travel and tourism dept at school for ideas of where to apply. The univ. just had a big job fair, but it was mostly for buisness and engineer majors so that wasn't really helpful. There is one job I am applying for that would take me back to Russia for 1-2 years depending on the contract I sign if I get it. I would work in a American Embassy and it would be really great to really up my language skills. The job requires a top secret security clearance and can take 6-15 months just to process the application. Anyway with that under my belt it would help me get into the State Department. Anyway it's just one of my options. Right now I am trying to get in with an airlines cause the flight benefits would be really great--and well how could anyone not want free air travel. Ultimately, I would like one of those jobs that travel constantly all over recruiting--training or whatever so I am trying to feel out those companies--but it's hard just knowing what those companies are.

Well thats pretty much whats going on! Hopefully everyone is doing well--until next time...

Happenings in SLC

Hello All!
I am just writing a quick update! Things here are going well. It's already the middle of the semester and midterms are right around the corner. I can't believe it. Classes are going well and I feel like I'm gonna do well this semester. I am not gonna miss it though!

Sadies birthday was yesterday so I drove to Mona and surprised her with cake and the works. Corey was working and I didn't want her to be by herself. She is doing well and looks great--even though she doesn't think so. Her belly is so cute and Katie is moving around alot. The weather has been really nice and sunny so thats just an added bonus . Overall it's been a great week.
Last of all Lisa is going to be done on the 12th and I will get to pick her up and spend some time with her before she leaves for home. I am really excited to see her. I have met several people who just rave about her and how they loved knowing her. She has been a really great missionary and I am really proud of her hard work.

Well thats it for now. Hope all is well with you!

Happy Valentines Day!

My mother has expressed her boredom with my post so I decided to update. Not that I can blame her, but I just don't have anything exciting going on--I wish I did. Anyway since today is Valentines Day I just wanted to wish everyone a great day!

Things here are going well. I am just going to school and can't believe that I only have 2 more months before I'm finished. Time is going pretty fast, which I'm not too sad about. I am trying to find a part-time job, but haven't had any luck with that one so I'll keep trying. Lisa is done next month too and am really excited to see her. Other than that not much else is going on--we are getting a lot of snow here, which is actually a good thing for Utah.

So I guess thats it! Enjoy your day and if you have a special someone don't forget to give 'em a little kiss or a big one it's your call.

Snowy Update

So I went to class and the skies were pretty clear--the sidewalks were dry--and it wasn't even that cold outside. And hour and 20 min later I walked outside and this is what I saw..


Pretty crazy--and the funniest thing was that I didn't bring a hat or even a decent jacket so I was soaked. Anyway what can you do.

Things here are going pretty well--classes are good and I am looking for a part-time job. Other then that not much new is going on. I wish I had exciting things to share, but I just don't. Ok well thats it for now!

Hello All!

I figured I would update you all on what I've been up too...First of all and most exciting is that Sadie is having a baby girl!!!! I am so excited for her and Corey and to be having another niece on the way. Thats the most exciting...

I just moved into my studio apt. and it's as small as I imagined. I will post a pic when I get it all organized and as pretty as I can. It's comfy and will due until I graduate in May. I have been staying with Debbie (friend from Ak) and it's been a lot of fun to see her again. I am in school now and getting back into the doing homework everyday--can't say Im liking it too much , but keep telling myself that it's my last semester. I'm taking a Math class that I'm pretty freaked out about since it's my last sem. and I have to do well, so we will see how that goes. So far it isn't too hard and I'm hoping it stays that way. I'm taking a digital photography class, which is going to be nice cause not only do I get to take lots of pictures I will actually know what I'm doing and how to do it better. Other than that school is good and am excited for it to be over.

Well I have to get back to work so until next time...